5 Questions with David Clarke

Refusing to be feel defeated by Trump becoming the President of the United States of America, David joined DG+CO to be more active in advancing social policy by assisting progressive non-profits. Working on a wide range of client projects, David brings his unique perspective and applies a dedicated work ethic to help DG+CO’s clients achieve their individual goals.

What brought you to DG+CO?

Before I joined DG+CO, I was working at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts (LCPA) as a Publicity Assistant. With Trump, his cabinet, and the GOP in general threatening to defund the National Endowment of Arts, there was definitely a sense of urgency and importance that came with my duties there. Similarly, I was employed by what many consider to be the leading arts organization in the world. But, as both a white and gay man, I felt like there was more I could do to help resist Trump. Merely raising my fist, wearing my knit hat, and marching in the New York City Women’s March on January 21 wasn’t enough for me. So, DG+CO’s impressive list of clients, mission, and work attracted me to the company, and I’m proud of the necessary and essential work that I get to be a part of on a daily basis.

What past experiences do you find yourself drawing on most in your work here?

The geniality and sense of humor instilled in me by my Texas upbringing fuels my day. The flexibility I learned as a teacher of junior high students diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder ensures that I move from project to project with ease. The creativity I learned and continue to develop as an arts writer allows me to see every project from multiple angles. The tenacity I developed in my time with LCPA motivates me to push past every hurdle with dexterity, determination, and a smile on my face. After all, PR doesn’t just stand for public relations. As I told my team at LCPA, often the definition of PR is actually “Polite and Resourceful.”

What gets you out of bed and excited to go to work at DG+CO each day?

I know that I am making a positive change in the world. It doesn’t happen overnight, and sometimes it may feel like we’re not actually making any progress at all. But, my colleagues and I continue to throw all the pebbles we can into this gigantic pond, and the ripple effect of our efforts guarantees that, someday, we will exist in a world that values parity between genders, sexualities, and all ethnicities and races.

When you’re not in the office, what do you do for fun?

When I’m not in the office, you’ll catch me in the audience of a play or musical, writing about entertainment (mostly theater) for the various outlets I contribute to, or on the pitch with the Gotham Knights, New York City’s premier gay/inclusive rugby team.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given (professional or otherwise), and by whom?

My PR and communications guru and mentor, Eileen McMahon, told me “never be afraid to ask questions, and never apologize for not knowing something.” In the field of communications, we can only share the information we have access to. So, I learned from her to never be afraid of admitting that I didn’t know something by being bold enough to ask questions. You can actually better empower yourself by being able to admit what you don’t know or don’t understand.